Rob Dinwiddie, the 2010 Barclays Kenya Open Champion, highlights the best way to negotiate the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi.
- A tricky first tee shot. Driver to the bottom of the hill is an option and will leave a short second shot. Something shorter to the top of the hill is often preferred and will leave a mid /short iron in.
2. Normally played to the top green during the tournament. This is a strong par three and requires and accurate mid iron to a two-tier green. Par is a good score here.
3. A short par four and the first real birdie opportunity. Choices off the tee again although driver can be risky. A good iron or rescue from the tee will leave a short iron in.
4. Par 5. A risk/reward tee shot. A good drive down the right can leave a short second, although the green is still reachable in 2 with a more conservative drive to the wider part of the fairway.
5. A solid par three. Club selection can be tricky here with the wind swirling in the trees.
6. Long hitters may hit driver over the left bunker to make this tough hole easy in one shot! Most mere mortals will hit a three wood or maybe driver down the right leaving a mid to long iron to the green.
7. A much longer par five than the fourth. Sometimes reachable in two for long hitters but normally a three-shot hole. Keep it in play and get your third shot close to make birdie.
8. It’s all about the tee shot here. A tough fairway to hit and you really need to favour the left side to avoid the trees. If you can do that you've got a birdie chance otherwise par is a good score.
9. A good birdie chance to finish the front nine. Normally driver off the tee leaving a wedge. A half blind second shot from an uphill lie can make it awkward to get your second shot close.
10. Probably the easiest hole on the course. Find the fairway off the tee and you'll normally have a chance in two. This is a good opportunity to start the back nine with an eagle.
11. Another good par three. The undulating green has a good variety of pin positions.
12. Position a tee shot between the bunkers. After that you should have a good chance to get it close. Although there are some tough pins on this green.
13. The last 6 holes start with this lovely looking par three. Water can come into play for front pins. A solid shot to the middle of the green and you won’t be far away wherever the flag is.
14. One of the most difficult holes on the course. Driver is not really an option here. A conservative tee shot to the corner leaves a long approach shot but to a big green. Most people would take four pars here for the week.
15. This is one of the easiest holes on the course. A generous tee shot and just a wedge in.
16. This can be a long hole if into the wind like it often is. A good solid shot needed or it'll be a struggle for par.
17. A pretty straight forward hole but maybe with its positioning in the round plays more difficult. Only an iron from the tee and a wedge but the sloping green can make it tough to get it close.
18. An awkward final tee shot. Long hitters can carry the traps but a slight mishit can spell trouble. Green can still be reached in two shots, by laying up short of the bunkers off the tee, but leaves a tough and dangerous shot. An exciting final hole that could result in a two or three shot swing.
